Ryker Heiss was born with bilateral clubfoot, a condition where his feet are turned inward and face up toward the body. By just 1 week of age, he began serial casting on his feet to start treating the condition.
Ryker Heiss is a spirited 3-year-old who loves reading, building blocks and magnet tiles, playing outside and watching golf on TV with his Papa. His happy-go-lucky demeanor masks the medical journey that began before he was even born. When his mom, Katie, was 20 weeks pregnant, she learned he had bilateral clubfoot and an enlarged kidney. This news marked the beginning of a series of medical interventions that would follow Ryker from birth.
Clubfoot occurs when one or both feet is turned inward and facing up toward the body. Half of all babies with clubfoot have it in both feet. Most children’s hospitals, including Akron Children’s, use the Ponseti method when treating clubfoot. This involves the casting phase, which gradually moves the foot to the correct position, followed by the bracing phase, which makes sure it stays there.
Just one week after Ryker was born, his tiny feet were cast to start correcting his clubfoot. By the time he turned 1, a new challenge arose. An X-ray uncovered hip dysplasia, adding another layer to his medical journey.
Ryker was also diagnosed with hip dysplasia, a condition that eventually required surgery to correct.
From May to June 2022, Ryker was placed in a spica cast (a type of orthopedic cast that immobilizes the hip, thigh and pelvis), which extended from his nipples to his feet, to address his hip condition.
“Unfortunately, this delayed the treatment for his clubfoot,” said Katie.
The struggle didn’t end there. Surgery became necessary to correct Ryker’s hip, during which doctors placed a plate and four screws. Following the hip surgery, the focus shifted back to Ryker’s feet, necessitating another two years of casting.
“I could tell he was in a lot of pain,” Katie recalled. “And I felt like the care we were getting was always rushed and impersonal.”
At night, he wears a special brace on his feet and hip while he sleeps.
Dissatisfied and concerned for her son’s well-being, Katie decided to seek a second opinion in January 2024. This decision brought them to Akron Children’s.
“I had a friend who spoke highly of Dr. Mark Adamcyzk (pediatric orthopedic surgeon) at Akron Children’s, so we decided to go to him,” said Katie. “Dr. Adamcyzk assessed Ryker’s condition and decided his hip was stable for now.”
Starting in March 2024, Ryker underwent serial casting for two months at the hospital’s Club Foot Clinic.
“Right now, Ryker’s feet are stable, and he can wear regular New Balance tennis shoes. At night, he wears a special brace on his feet and hip while he sleeps,” Katie explained. Katie is proactive in ensuring Ryker complies with his treatment, understanding that correcting clubfoot can take up to five years.
Ryker and Katie participated in their first Club Foot Awareness Walk this year.
Ryker’s transition to Akron Children’s didn’t stop at orthopedic care. The family, who live in Willowick in Lake County, also moved Ryker’s primary care to Akron Children’s Pediatrics Mayfield Heights, where they see Dr. Joey Korah.
“I noticed a change in my son once we started coming to Akron Children’s. The facility is welcoming, clean and calm, and the providers are knowledgeable, passionate and trustworthy,” said Katie. “Ryker laughs and isn’t scared to go to the doctor. I can leave the room, and he probably wouldn’t notice.”
Twice a year Ryker also sees pediatric urologist Dr. Eric Massanyi who keeps tabs on his congenital kidney condition.
On June 1, Ryker and his family participated in their first Clubfoot Walk, celebrating the progress he has made. They continue to see Dr. Adamcyzk once a month to ensure Ryker’s feet and hip remain stable.
“I’ve been very pleased with how easy it is to communicate with the providers through MyChart,” said Katie. “The continuity of care and making sure we see the same provider has been excellent. The care at Akron Children’s had made such a difference in Ryker’s health and happiness.”
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